Tuesday 26 October 2010 20.31 EDT
First published on Tuesday 26 October 2010 20.31 EDT

The United States is, happily, becoming more tolerant of gay and lesbian rights. But the battle is far from won. This week, debate about the legality of the "don't ask, don't tell" rule in the military continues. Carl Paladino, a Republican election candidate, argued recently that he feared his children risked being "brainwashed" into thinking that homosexuality was "an equally valid and successful option – it isn't". Which only makes the bravery of a city councillor in Fort Worth, Texas, all the more impressive. Joel Burns spoke beautifully and movingly at a recent council session about the suicides of young men who had been bullied because they were gay. His speech – which became a hit on YouTube – told teenagers not to lose hope. "It gets better," he said, using the slogan of what has become a remarkable American campaign against homophobic bullying, supported by online videos from leaders including Hillary Clinton. Burns told his own story of being bullied as a 13-year old, and contemplating suicide. "They said that I was a faggot, and that I should die and go to hell where I belonged," he said. Burns described how his father eventually came to terms with his son's homosexuality and concluded "things will get easier. Please stick around to make those happy moments for yourself." He read out his personal phone number, offering to give advice. Councillors in Fort Worth applauded; people around the world have watched the speech. Politicians do, sometimes, make a difference.